Wissam Isam Wardia
College of Nursing, Al-Bayan University, Baghdad, Iraq
Iman Abbas Fadhil
College of Nursing, Al-Bayan University, Baghdad, Iraq
Yahya Dreaim Saihood
National Diabetes Center, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Fatima Waleed Osama
College of Nursing, Al-Bayan University, Baghdad, Iraq
Karim Ra’ad Farhan
College of Nursing, Al-Bayan University, Baghdad, Iraq
Mohammad Raed Hamed
College of Nursing, Al-Bayan University, Baghdad, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major metabolic disorder associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several biochemical and inflammatory markers have been implicated in predicting cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Early identification of high-risk individuals using laboratory-based biomarkers can aid in better disease management and prevention of adverse cardiac events. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of key cardiovascular risk biomarkers in patients with diabetes mellitus and their association with cardiac complications. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 diabetic patients (60 with and 60 without CVD) and 60 age-matched non-diabetic controls. Serum levels of lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]), and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA] and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]) were analyzed using automated biochemical assays and ELISA techniques. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and cardiovascular risk ratios were calculated for risk stratification. Results: Diabetic patients, especially those with CVD, exhibited significantly higher hs-CRP, IL-6, LDL, triglycerides, and MDA levels compared to both non-diabetic controls and diabetic patients without CVD (p < 0.001). AIP and cardiovascular risk ratios were markedly elevated in diabetic patients, correlating with disease duration and glycemic control (HbA1c levels). A strong inverse correlation was observed between HDL and total antioxidant capacity, indicating increased oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in diabetic patients. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that hs-CRP (AUC = 0.89) and AIP (AUC = 0.87) had the highest predictive value for cardiovascular risk among diabetic patients. Conclusion: The findings suggest that biochemical markers such as hs-CRP, IL-6, lipid profile ratios, and oxidative stress indicators are valuable predictors of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Incorporating these laboratory-based risk markers in routine clinical assessments could improve early detection and risk stratification, aiding in preventive cardiovascular care. Further studies are warranted to establish cut-off values for clinical application.
Keywords: Cardiovascular, Predictors, Diabetes Mellitus.
